Last Updated on February 24, 2024
A Cutting-Edge Indian Bistro in the Heart of London
Located in the heart of central London on the lower end of Haymarket, you’ll find Farzi Café, an Indian bistro that promises a unique and cutting-edge avant-garde dining experience with a twist. Farzi Café first opened its doors in 2014 in the bustling city of Gurgaon, just southwest of India’s capital, New Delhi. It rapidly gained critical acclaim for its inventive and evolved menu, featuring contemporary, pan-Indian dishes. Thanks to its success in India, Zorawar Kalra, the founder, opened Farzi London in January 2019, bringing his popular restaurant to the Capital of the UK.
Entering Farzi Café, we were immersed in a dark and sexy ambience, a sparkling central bar illuminated by golden light tubes, contemporary hanging sculptures in metal leaf and sumptuous velvet and leather banquettes adding a touch of sophistication. The atmosphere was buzzy, and as the evening progressed, the jazz music morphed into something more clubby.
We kicked off the evening with cocktails; the menu at Farzi Café boasts a selection of creative concoctions infused with tinctures and herbs, all inspired by the Ayurvedic tradition. I was keen to try the Mezcal Negroni, a lovely smoky and intriguing blend of mezcal, pineapple and pear cordial, Campari, Cocchi Di Torino, and walnut, which left a delightful sweet aftertaste with a touch of Campari bitterness. My companion opted for a lighter non-alcoholic option, the Berry Crush – a mix of fresh berries, passionfruit, cranberry, and passion fruit cordial, a refreshing fruity experience.
The kitchen is overseen by the award-winning chef, Saurabh Udinia, renowned as one of India’s most acclaimed young talents. Farzi offers both A La Carte and Tasting Menus, with a mouth-watering selection of dishes which marry traditional Indian flavours with modern cuisine.
I began with Aburi Salmon, a fusion of flamed salmon slices coated in an orange glaze. It was served in a tiger milk sauce, but unlike the usual acidic and citrusy flavour of traditional tiger milk, this one was rich and creamy, complemented with a drizzle of herb oil.
My companion’s Mangalorean Rava Prawns, arrived hot and crisp from the fryer, fat and juicy prawns coated in semolina and served with a tantalizingly spiced tomato chutney.
On to mains, I have always loved Chicken Tikka Masala, and here it was beautifully cooked with succulent and flavourful pieces of chicken in a creamy mildly spiced tomato sauce, just as I like it.
I did look enviously at my companions Lobster Moilee Risotto, served with generous tender chunks of lobster, perfectly complemented by a rich coconut curried risotto. On the side, crisp and fresh tenderstem broccoli and string greens cooked with onion, steamed rice, cool mint yoghurt raita studded with sweet and sour pomegranate jewels and the most luxurious truffle, cheese and herb naan that oozed luxury.
And, for dessert, the light and warmly spiced Fig & Ginger Pudding with salted caramel foam and Madagascan vanilla ice cream, was like an Indian take on sticky toffee pudding, very moreish!
Our meal was accompanied by a couple of glasses of Gavi di Gavi ‘Terre Antiche’, La Giustiniana, Piedmont, Italy 2021, fresh with good acidity and notes of lemon.
Farzi is open for lunch and dinner and on Saturdays it features a bottomless brunch, channelling the vibrant streets of Bombay. With the restaurant serving dishes like Tikka Masala Wrap, filled with chicken or paneer tikka masala and Egg Florentine you can spice up your day with 2 hours of unlimited drinks, including the renowned Farzi Royal cocktail.
Whether you prefer classic Indian dishes or are keen to explore contemporary twists, Farzi promises a truly satisfying dining adventure that is perfect for those looking for a glamorous night out in the heart of London.
Farzi, 8 Haymarket, London SW1Y 4BP
Looking for something different? We also recommend Yaatra Indian Restaurant in Westminster
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